Knitting it Old School: 43 Vintage-Inspired Patterns

by Stitchy McYarnpants, Caro Sheridan

43 patterns inspired by the '40s, '50s, '60s, and '70s
Knitters love all things vintage—but it's not as easy as picking up an old pattern from decades past. Oftentimes, they use obsolete yarns, aren't sized for today's body shapes, and are written differently than current pattern instructions.

Now, retro-minded crafters get the best of both worlds in this unique collection. Drawing from the fashion trends of the '40s through the '70s, Knitting it Old School offers a bold new twist on vintage-inspired knitting patterns.

Vintage patterns feature newly created designs that flatter today's figure and use contemporary yarns
Fun, wearable patterns that echo styles of days gone by
Four bonus sewing patterns to whip up complimentary vintage-themed accessories
With a balance of classic and kitsch, wardrobe basics and saucy specials, Knitting it Old School is a breath of fresh air for knitters who love "old" but want to be "new."

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Fashion

180 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Debbie Brisson, a.k.a. Stitchy McYarnpants was born to be a knitter. Her parents met at Pandora, a sweater mill set on the Merrimack River in Manchester, NH. She is powerless against knitting.

Add to that her love for all things vintage, the kitschier the better, and you've got a good look at what makes her tick. If it's goofy, mostly useless, and steeped in the irony of popular culture's most embarrassing moments, she'll take two. Stitchy is the creator and curator of the Museum of Kitschy Stitches, an online (www.yarnpants.com) and in print gallery of notorious knits.

When she isn't knitting, sewing or trying to resist the siren's call of eBay, she can be found slaving away in the software mines of Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't be unbiased about this book because I"m a contributor but since I'm a contributor, you know it's gonna kick ass, yah? ;)

[Rebekka Steg · Rating 3 out of 5]

These 43 vintage inspired patterns are incredibly hit and miss - probably because they're all from different designers. Featuring both knit and crochet patterns most of them make me cringe, but there were a few that I absolutely loved - especially because the designers took advantage of the benefits of knitting in the round. I borrowed Knitting It Old School from the library, and I'm not sure if the few pieces that I loved would justify buying the book. If you check it out, pay special attention to the St Moritz, Rally, Saucy Convertible and Swing Time.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

better sizing options for patterns, but the 'vintage' they are referring to spans several decades and thus it also includes a granny square dress *shudder*
a few cute sweaters that are right up my alley tho!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many amazing patterns. I adore this book!

[Amy Mc · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was only one wearable item in the entire book. All of the patterns are just ugly! The biggest problem with the book is the lack of pictures for each finished object. Almost all of the projects only had one picture. Don’t waste your money on this book.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a single pattern I would want to make.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was wanting something more. Really what I wanted was a book of the patterns from betchley circle and thus this was disappointing. It did cover a range of vintage styles but none of the patterns appealed.

[Mollie *scoutrmom* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because our local Borders was closing, and it was only $2.49. I might buy garbage at that price, but this was not. Lucky me.

Having children bring home friends who have been punk, ska, emo, or some such at times helped me appreciate this book. The descriptions of the sweaters have a lovely sense of humor. (More soylent green for the rest of us.)

The retro styles in here have been updated for today's yarn choices. I might make one of the after-ski sweaters or the "Rude Girl" pattern someday.

I did not like that some projects I was interested in turned out to have crochet instructions. Nothing on the cover or back cover indicates that this is anything but an all knitting book.

There were no instructions in the book for the wonderful 70's-style bargello (needlepoint) pillows shown on the cover.

Other than that, the instructions I did read seem understandable for any intermediate knitter.

[Heywu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too old school for me. Not enuf twist. I liked the sweater on the cover but probably would not cast on.

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cool awesome knitting pattern book.

[Mckinley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vintage patterns can be lovely but I didn't like these or the color choices.